Genotype test vs. RIBA and PCR?

[Lorelei911]

IS a Genotype test more definitive than RIBA and PCR...or the general antibody test? See my post about an hour ago. Hep-C Reactive-2nd Time. I have received two positives in a year for the antibody test but a "Not Present" on the Genotype test. I am not sure what to be confident in. I don't know if I should ask to be tested AGAIN with a Genotype or other test??? I have had no risk factors at all since last May's Genotype.

Lola

[Bill1954]

Hi there,

You are OK; it doesn’t sound as though you have Hep C, based on the info you’re providing. If you are positive for antibodies, but are negative for genotype or via PCR, you do NOT have Hep C. The definitive test for Hep C (HCV) is the PCR test; if that is negative, don’t worry about any other results. You will probably continue to test positive/reactive for antibodies for the rest of your life, but these are a product of your own body… antibodies are not harmful in any way, nor are they ‘contagious’.

Hep C infection is defined by HCV RNA, which is what the PCR test reveals if present.

Enjoy your disease free life—

Bill :o)

[Jakied]

Have you been tested for Hcv by Pcr?  This will test your blood for the actual virus,

not antibody to the virus.

Also, has your pos antibody test been confirmed with the Riba test?

From what you posted above, it sounds as though you tested pos for antibody on the

screening test  but not confirmrd with the Riba test.  Riba is VERY specific for

Hcv antibody.  The screening test is VERY sensitive for all antibodies, so a false +

screening test is possible.

If you can, give us some more info on what test you actually had.  It is possible

your screening test was a false + and you never were infected.

What was the exposure for which you tested?  Hcv is NOT a STD, as Hiv and Hbv are.

Hcv is transmitted, primarily, by blood transfusion before 1991 or so and IV drug use.

Sexual transmission is possible but not likely.